Film Permitting

San Bernardino County's Film Office

The San Bernardino County Economic Development Department aides in obtaining film and photo permits for all commercial filming/photography done in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Our permit coordinators can aide in providing answers, solutions, and alternative courses of action to help your production become a reality.

Permit Coordination

Our team will help coordinate your film or photo with timely, effective communication. Once your permit application is submitted through San Bernardino County's online application system, our team will review all necessary documentation and reach out to you to ensure that you are briefed throughout the entire process including any potential setbacks or uncertainties that may arise.

If you have any questions about the process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

A filming permit is required for all commercial filming/photography done in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Click here to verify that your film location is within San Bernardino County's jurisdiction.

Do I need a permit when filming on private property?

Yes, a filming permit is required for all commercial filming/photography done in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, or when facilities are used that belong to, are managed by or are under the jurisdiction of the San Bernardino County.

How do I apply?

The San Bernardino County uses a "one-stop-shop" online application system for all County processes that require a permit. Please click here to start your permit application, make changes to an existing application, upload all necessary documents and/or pay permit fees.

Please ensure all dates, times, locations, and required documents are finalized before submitting a film application.

Processing Simple Changes:
San Bernardino County will accommodate one (1) simple change to an application within 24 hours of submission. Simple changes include:

• Date adjustments
• Time adjustments

Processing Substantial Changes:
If the request is submitted after 24 hours or involves substantial changes, the production company must submit a new, finalized film application for review. Substantial changes include:

• Modifications to county road usage
• Location changes
• Updates requiring approval from additional county departments
• Requests involving special districts

To facilitate review after submission of all documents, please email [email protected] and include both the original permit number and the updated permit number.

What are the filming permit processing fees?

• Film permit (motion, still, and student): $258.00/permit.
• Minor rider – additions, corrections or alterations to permits: $69.00/permit.
• Major rider – additions, corrections or alterations to permits which involves collecting fees on behalf of other departments: $94.00/permit.
• Applicants are subject to additional fees based on the complexity of the production.

What is the turnaround time for a permit?

• Standard Permit (excluding filming on county-maintained roads, filming at regional parks, and use of drones): Up to 3 business days upon receipt of all required documentation meeting county standards.
• Drone Permits: Up to 7 business days upon receipt of all required documentation meeting county standards.
• County Road Filming Permits: The Public Works Department requires a minimum of 7 business days for processing.
• County Regional Park Filming Permits: The Regional Parks Department requires a minimum of 4 business weeks for processing.

Where can I find information on incentives?

With the passage of The California Tax Credit Program 3.0, your production, if qualified, may be eligible for tax credits. To learn more about this opportunity, please visit the California Film Commission (CFC) page.

Is my location in San Bernardino County?

Please click here and enter the film site address. If the location you inputted for your search is within the black outlined shape, your location takes place within San Bernardino County. The provided free tool will also provide you with your indicated parcel number, which is important for when you fill out your application, as well as other information about the location that could be helpful to your permit coordination.

How do I know if I need a filming permit from the county?

Some incorporated cities issue their own film permits and do not require a film permit issued by San Bernardino County. To verify where you should permit your production, please enter your filming location address into the top right search bar on our Film Permitting Jurisdictions ArcGIS Map provided below.

Click here to view the Location Library for San Bernardino County

Minimum Required Documents for all Permits:

• Waiver of Subrogation Rights
• County Credits Agreement
• Certificate of Insurance (COI)*
• Letter of Endorsement (LOE)*
• Private Property Approval Form (required for each location)
  

Additional Required Documents for Drone Usage:

• Request to Use Drone UAS Application Form
• A detailed description of proposed flight activities (including maps)
• Copy of Remote Pilot Certificate/License
• Proof of successfully completed Knowledge Test
• Copy of Small UAS Certification
• Certificate of Insurance (COI) meeting the UAS Specific Insurance Requirements
• Letter of Endorsement (LOE) meeting the UAS Specific Insurance Requirements

Other Additional Requirements and Information (as applicable):

• California Highway Patrol (CHP) Proof of Approval**
• County Regional Parks Stipulations
• County Animal Stipulations
• Vehicle Liability Waiver
• Workers Comp Waiver
• Workers Comp FAQ
  
• For student films only: A letter written on your school's letterhead by a school administrator or instructor stating that the applicant is currently enrolled in a recognized U. S. educational institution and that the film shall not be commercially released in any manner whatsoever.

To comply with the San Bernardino County film ordinance Section 41.2403 we may request additional documentation to ensure the permit being issued is for commercial purposes.

Types of documents that are accepted are as follows:

• Production agreement or contract: outlines project details, including dates, locations, and production personnel involved

• Budget or financing documents

• Call sheets

• Casting and crew lists

• Letter of intent or agreement from talent agencies

• Identification of production company: request a letter or document that verifies the registered status of the production company through local business registration officers or international film and television associations

*The COI and LOE are provided to applicants by their insurance company. Please review the documents "Insurance Proof of Coverage Requirements" and "Insurance Coverage Specifications" for San Bernardino County's insurance requirements.

**CHP Approval is only required when applying to film on a County-maintained road.

San Bernardino County Film Office
290 North D Street, Suite 600
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0047

Film office inquiries can be directed to [email protected]